Peter C. Harvey is head of the Independent Monitoring Team, comprised of community advocates, former law enforcement professionals and leading academics. Mr. Harvey is a Partner at one of New York City’s leading law firms, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, and supported by a carefully selected team of highly qualified attorneys.

Mr. Harvey served as Attorney General for the State of New Jersey during the time that the New Jersey State Police (“NJSP”) was under a federal consent decree between the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Department of Justice. In this role, he assisted the NJSP in achieving full compliance with all components of the Consent Decree. This included the elimination of the NJSP’s practice of selective enforcement, commonly reported to as “Racial Profiling.” Similar to the Newark Monitorship, the NJSP work called for the implementation and oversight of organic change in a strong police force. Prior to becoming an Attorney General, Mr. Harvey served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

What are the Independent Monitor’s duties?

The Independent Monitor will:

  1. Oversee, on behalf of the Honorable Madeline Cox Arleo, U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey, the City of Newark’s and NPD’s progress in implementing, and achieving compliance with, the Consent Decree;
  2. Report on the status of implementation to the Parties, the Court, and the public;
  3. Work with the Parties to address any barriers to compliance, including assisting the Parties to the Consent Decree, the U.S. Department of Justice and the City of Newark, to resolve any disputes.

The Independent Monitor will not, and is not intended to, replace or assume the role and duties of the City or NPD, including the Police Director or Chief of Police.